From iconic performers on stage, to giant food fights, floating lanterns and fire parades, discover the most interesting festivals from around the globe.
The WORLD is WAITING FOR YOU
HOLIDAY FESTIVALS • Discover the world’s most vibrant celebrations! From new beginnings to honouring ancestors, holiday festivals unite communities through dazzling traditions, unforgettable rituals and shared cultural pride
DIWALI • A time of light and legends observed during the Hindu month of Kartik, this remarkable festival is a truly illuminating experience
NEW YEAR NOURISHMENT
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD) • Blending Aztec rituals with Catholic influences, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos honours deceased loved ones with a vibrant festival of celebration and remembrance
SONGKRAN • Ring in the beginning of the Lunar New Year with an epic water fight in Thailand
EXPLORE CHIANG MAI DURING THE SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
MARDI GRAS • Revellers in search of larger-than-life processions, kaleidoscopic costumes and deep-rooted traditions will not be disappointed by Mardi Gras, wherever in the world they choose to celebrate
PRE-FAST FEASTING • As the six-week fast known as Lent begins the day after Mardi Gras, Christians would have traditionally used up all the eggs, fats and other rich food in their pantries. This has led to a brilliant range of different treats devoured on Shrove Tuesday around the world.
CHINESE NEW YEAR • Celebrating tradition, family, and fortune; discover the magic of Chinese New Year and its exciting customs
WHERE TO CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR?
ST PATRICK’S DAY • St Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish culture, but how many myths about the man behind the legend are actually true?
EVERYTHING’S BIGGER IN THE STATES
OTHER HOLIDAY FESTIVALS • From marauding festive monsters to toasting Dutch royalty, add these colourful events to your bucket list
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS • Dive into faith and tradition; from solemn rituals to vibrant celebrations, religious festivals offer a powerful glimpse into centuries-old beliefs, customs, and devotion
HOLI • A riot of colour and celebration sweeps across India as the cold winter months make way for spring
THE HOLI RAINBOW • The vivid powders used during Holi all have their own special meaning:
GION MATSURI • The glorious procession of floats at Japan’s biggest festival is a must-see
OBON • Experience a world of visiting spirits, public dance, hungry ghosts and heartbreaking joy at the Obon festival
ARDH KUMBH MELA • Become part of the largest human gathering the world has ever seen at the Kumbh Mela
INTI RAYMI • Get a glimpse into how ancient Incas worshipped their Sun god with this vibrant festival
PARO TSHECHU • Masked monks bring Bhutan to life in this unmissable spectacle
SEB-I ARUS • Celebrate the teachings of an ancient poet with one of the most entrancing visual spectacles
SAN FERMÍN • Spain’s iconic, yet controversial, festival where daredevils, partygoers, and pilgrims unite
LAS FALLAS • This heady cocktail of colour, fire, cheeky humour and vibrating noise is not for the faint of heart!
OTHER RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS • Venture to one of these festivals to gain a unique insight into a culture’s history and beliefs
CULTURAL FESTIVALS • Cultural festivals bring traditions to life with music, dance, food and stories. What better way to celebrate heritage and identity, past and present?
RIO CARNIVAL • There’s no better way to experience the spirit, culture and vibrancy of Brazil than at the world’s most iconic carnival
CHARACTERS OF THE SAMBA PARADE • Thousands of dancers participate in the samba parades,...